The Denver Broncos, with eight picks in the 2026 NFL Draft, only selected a linebacker at the very end, raising concerns about their depth at the position. They should consider trading for veteran linebackers to bolster their roster ahead of the season.
4 veteran linebackers Broncos should consider trading for after 2026 NFL Draft originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Despite having eight picks in the 2026 NFL Draft, the Denver Broncos did not use one on an inside linebacker until the very last pick of the draft, selecting Red Murdock out of Buffalo with the annual "Mr. Irrelevant" pick.
The position was shaky entering the draft for the Broncos, with Justin Strnad and Alex Singleton set to be the starters. But the depth behind them is light as well, with three undrafted players to go along with Drew Sanders, who has spent nearly his entire career being unavailable.
This leaves the Broncos in a precarious position entering the season, particularly if they have to deal with injuries at that spot. Singleton missed time last year and is 32 years old. Strnad has never been a full-time starter. The front office should be exploring potential trades and here, we've identified some possibilities.
Cole Holcomb, Pittsburgh Steelers
The Steelers have Patrick Queen and as their starters and should be set there. The could inquire about Cole Holcomb as an experienced backup for Strnad or Singleton. The Steelers signed him to a two-year contract extension last month. They won't be shopping him around, so the Broncos would likely have to overpay.
The article identifies four veteran linebackers that the Broncos should consider trading for to improve their linebacker depth.
The Broncos selected only one linebacker, Red Murdock, with their last pick, indicating a lack of focus on strengthening the inside linebacker position during the draft.
The Broncos face challenges due to limited depth behind starters Justin Strnad and Alex Singleton, especially with Singleton's age and injury history.
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The Commanders chose Jordan Magee in the fifth round of the 2024 draft, but after adding Leo Chenal in free agency and then using their first-round pick on Sonny Styles, Magee may be expendable. He's been used sparingly in Washington, but the Broncos could send a seventh-round pick to see if he can be turned into anything.
Ivan Pace has 236 tackles, 6.5 sacks and two interceptions in his first two seasons in the league but after the Vikings used a second-round pick on Jake Golday, they could be swayed to move him. The Broncos could get Pace, who came into the league as an undrafted free agent, for a Day 3 pick.
After signing Christian Harris in free agency, the Falcons selected Kendal Daniels and Harold Perkins Jr. in the draft.
Troy Andersen was a second-round pick in 2022, but in the last three seasons, he's played in a total of nine games, including none last year. The Falcons could easily be willing to give up on him for a small cost and the Broncos could see if they can turn his career around.